JP2023147446A - washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a washing machine which improves supply performance of a detergent liquid when using a liquid agent input device.SOLUTION: A washing machine includes: an outer tub; a washing tub provided in the outer tub rotatably; first water supply means provided openably/closably; a first path for leading water introduced from the first water supply means to the outer tub and/or the washing tub; a liquid agent tank for storing a liquid agent inside; a liquid agent input device for discharging the liquid agent stored in the liquid agent tank to the first path; and a flow passage part provided communicating with the first path on the downstream side of the liquid agent input device. At the first path, a first water pouring part is formed which is provided above the flow passage part and which pours water toward the flow passage part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

The present disclosure relates to washing machines.

Patent Document 1 discloses a washing machine equipped with an automatic liquid dispenser.

The washing machine in Patent Document 1 includes a liquid agent tank that stores a liquid agent, a liquid agent automatic dosing device that automatically supplies the liquid agent in the liquid agent tank into a washing tub, and a water supply valve that communicates with the liquid agent automatic dosing device via a water channel. After driving the liquid agent automatic dosing device to supply the liquid into the washing tub, the water supply valve is opened to supply water into the liquid agent automatic dosing device.

International Publication No. 2019/039140

The present disclosure provides a washing machine that improves detergent liquid supply performance when using a liquid dosing device.

The washing machine according to the present disclosure includes an outer tub, a washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub, a first water supply means provided so as to be openable and closable, and water introduced from the first water supply means. a first path for introducing water into the outer tub and/or the washing tub; a liquid agent tank for storing a liquid therein; a liquid agent injection device for discharging the liquid stored in the liquid agent tank to the first path; a flow path section provided downstream of the liquid agent injection device in communication with the first path, and the first path includes a flow path section provided above the flow path section for directing water toward the flow path section. A first water injection section for injecting water is formed.

The washing machine according to the present disclosure improves the detergent liquid supply performance when using the liquid injection device.

External perspective view of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 with the lid closed An external perspective view of the washing machine according to Embodiment 1 with the lid open. An external perspective view of the water supply unit of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 with the detergent case, detergent tank, and fabric softener tank pulled out. Rear view of the water supply unit of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 An exploded perspective view of the water supply unit of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 A top view of the water supply unit of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 with the water supply unit lid removed. A top view of the flow top of the water supply unit of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 AA sectional view of the water supply unit shown in Figure 4 Enlarged view of area P shown in FIG. BB sectional view of the water supply unit shown in Figure 7 CC sectional view of the water supply unit shown in Figure 6 Enlarged view of region Q1 shown in FIG. 11 Enlarged view of region Q2 shown in FIG. A rear view of the water supply unit of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 with the relay part lid removed. DD sectional view of the automatic loading device shown in Figure 6 EE sectional view of the water supply unit and automatic dosing device shown in Figure 6 A top view of the lower part of the flow path of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 FF sectional view of the lower part of the flow path shown in Figure 17 Timing chart in the washing process of the washing machine in Embodiment 1

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially the same configurations may be omitted.

The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter recited in the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 will be described below using FIGS. 1 to 19.

[1-1. composition]
[1-1-1. washing machine]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, washing machine 100 includes a housing 101, a lid 150, and an operation section 160. The housing 101 includes a lower housing 110 and an upper housing 130. Inside the lower housing 110, an outer tub (not shown) and a washing tub 112 are housed. The outer tank is elastically supported within the lower housing 110 and is provided to store water. The washing tub 112 is a cylindrical body that is open at the top, and is rotatably provided within the outer tub. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, left and right are defined as left and right when washing machine 100 is viewed from the front in an installed state.

The upper housing 130 is arranged above the lower housing 110 and has an input port 131 that communicates with the washing tub 112. The lid body 150 is attached to the rear part of the upper housing 130, and covers the input port 131 so as to be openable and closable. When the user rotates the lid 150 upward, the washing tub 112 is exposed through the inlet 131. A user can load laundry into the washing tub 112 through the input port 131.

An operating section 160 is disposed in the upper housing 130 at a position behind the input port 131. The user can operate the operation unit 160 to set various operations of the washing tub 112.

A water supply port 170 is provided at the rear of the operation unit 160, and a water supply hose 171 is connected to the water supply port 170 so as to introduce tap water from a water faucet.

As shown in FIG. 2, a water supply unit 200 is provided at the rear of the upper housing 130. The water supply unit 200 is provided to accommodate a detergent case 600, a detergent tank 650, and a softener tank 660. Detergent tank 650, softener tank 660, and detergent case 600 are arranged so that their front surfaces are flush with each other when housed in water supply unit 200.

As shown in FIG. 3, the detergent tank 650 and the softener tank 660 are configured to be able to store an amount of liquid that can be used multiple times. On the other hand, the detergent case 600 is used by the user to add the amount of detergent required for one operation, and it can be used to manually add powder detergent, liquid detergent, and fabric softener. A manual liquid detergent injection section 615 and a manual softener injection section 620 are provided.

Washing machine 100 is provided with a control device (not shown) that controls execution of a series of washing operations including a washing process, a rinsing process, and a spin-drying process. The control device includes at least a motor (not shown) for rotationally driving the washing tub 112 and stirring blades (not shown) provided in the washing tub 112, a water supply valve unit 210 (described later), Controls the driving of a liquid agent automatic injection device 500 (described later).

[1-1-2. Water supply unit]
As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the water supply unit 200 mainly includes a water supply unit housing part 220 formed in a substantially box shape, a water supply unit lid part 260 that covers the top surface of the water supply unit housing part 220, It includes a lower flow path 300 attached to the lower part of the water supply unit housing section 220, a water supply valve unit 210, a relay section 270, and a bath pump 290.

The water supply valve unit 210 is provided on the rear right side of the water supply unit 200. The water supply valve unit 210 includes a first water supply valve 211 , a second water supply valve 212 , and a third water supply valve 213 . The first water supply valve 211, the second water supply valve 212, and the third water supply valve 213 are each provided so as to be able to be opened and closed independently, and when they are in the open state, water introduced from the water supply port 170 flows into the water supply unit housing. 220.

The bath pump 290 is disposed at the center of the back surface of the water supply unit housing section 220. Bath pump 290 sucks water from outside of washing machine 100 through a hose (not shown). The bath pump 290 is fixed to the water supply unit lid part 260 with screws, and is directly connected to a first water introduction path 410, which will be described later, via a bath pump water inlet 291. The bath pump 290 can start suction and discharge operations by being supplied with water from the first water introduction path 410.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a liquid agent automatic injection device 500 is connected to the rear left side of the water supply unit housing section 220. The liquid agent automatic injection device 500 will be described in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 5, the water supply unit housing section 220 is formed in a substantially box shape with an open front. The water supply unit housing section 220 is provided with a detergent case housing section 221 and a tank housing section 222 as internal spaces. The detergent case accommodating portion 221 accommodates the detergent case 600 in a drawable manner. The tank accommodating portion 222 accommodates a detergent tank 650 and a softener tank 660 in a drawable manner. When the detergent tank 650 and the softener tank 660 are housed in the tank accommodating section 222, the detergent tank 650 and the softener tank 660 are connected to the detergent automatic input receptacle 505 (described later) of the liquid agent automatic input device 500 and the softener It is connected to an automatic input insertion port 506 (described later). Thereby, the detergent tank 650 and the softener tank 660 communicate with the liquid agent automatic injection device 500. Thereby, the liquid agent stored in the detergent tank 650 and the softener tank 660 can be supplied to the liquid agent automatic injection device 500.

The water supply unit housing section 220 is provided with a flow top section 230 so as to cover above the detergent case housing section 221 . A first water guide path 410 (described later), a second water guide path 420 (described later), and a portion of a third water guide path 430 (described later) are formed in the flow upper portion 230.

The relay section 270 is arranged on the back surface of the water supply unit housing section 220. The relay section 270 includes a relay section main body 274 attached to the water supply unit housing section 220 and a relay section lid 275 that covers the relay section main body 274. A relay path 271, which will be described later, is provided within the relay section 270, and the relay path 271 is connected to a third water guide path 430 provided within the water supply unit housing section 220, and a relay path 271 provided within the liquid agent automatic injection device 500. and an automatic input device internal path 510 (described later).

[1-1-3. Water conveyance route]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the water supply unit housing section 220 is provided with a water guide path 400 through which water introduced from the water supply valve unit 210 flows. The water guide path 400 includes a first water guide path 410, a second water guide path 420, and a third water guide path 430. The first water introduction path 410, the second water introduction path 420, and the third water introduction path 430 communicate with the first water supply valve 211, the second water supply valve 212, and the third water supply valve 213, respectively. When the first water supply valve 211 is opened, water is introduced into the first water introduction path 410. When the second water supply valve 212 is opened, water is introduced into the second water introduction path 420. When the third water supply valve 213 is opened, water is introduced into the third water introduction path 430.

[1-1-4. 1st water guide path, 2nd water guide path, detergent case]
As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first water guide path 410 and the second water guide path 420 guide water supplied from the first water supply valve 211 and the second water supply valve 212 to the flow upper portion 230. The first water guide path 410 and the second water guide path 420 are configured to inject water into the detergent case 600 and the lower flow path 300 located below the upper flow path 230.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the upper flow path 230, the first water introduction path 410 is provided with a powder detergent water injection section 411, a liquid detergent water injection section 412, and a first flow path lower path water injection section 413. There is. The powder detergent water injection unit 411 is provided above the powder detergent manual injection unit 610 and injects water flowing through the first water introduction path 410 into the powder detergent manual injection unit 610. The liquid detergent water injection section 412 is provided above the liquid detergent manual injection section 615 and injects water flowing through the first water introduction path 410 into the liquid detergent manual injection section 615. As shown in FIG. 10, the first flow path lower path water injection part 413 is provided above the first flow path lower path 301 (described later). The first flow path lower path water injection unit 413 injects water flowing through the first water introduction path 410 into the first flow path lower path 301 . An arrow Z in FIG. 10 indicates the direction of water injected from the first flow path lower path water injection part 413 to the first flow path lower path 301. As shown by arrow Z, the water injected from the first flow path lower path water injection part 413 is injected toward the first flow path lower path 301 at an angle to the left with respect to the vertical direction.

In the flow upper part 230, the second water introduction path 420 is provided with a softener water injection part 421. The softener water injection part 421 is vertically communicated above the softener manual injection part 620.

The powder detergent manual input section 610, the liquid detergent manual input section 615, and the softener manual input section 620 are each provided with a discharge port (not shown) for discharging the liquid accumulated inside to the bottom. The liquid discharged from the discharge port falls into the lower flow path 300.

[1-1-5. Third water conveyance route, relay route, automatic feeding device]
As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the third water guide path 430 is provided near the back surface of the water supply unit housing section 220. Hereinafter, the third water introduction path 430 is defined as a path including the relay path 271 and the automatic dosing device internal path 510 (described later).

The third water guide path 430 is provided with a third water guide path branch portion 432 . The third water conduction path branching section 432 branches the water flowing through the third water conduction path 430 downstream from the third water supply valve 213 into a path through which it flows to the foam generation nozzle 431 and a path through which it flows into the relay path 271.

As shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, the foam generation nozzle 431 is provided above the foam generation section 320 (described later). Arrow Y in FIG. 12 indicates the direction of water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431 into the foam generating section 320. As shown by the arrow Y, the foam generating nozzle 431 is inclined forward with respect to the vertical direction, and water is injected toward the foam generating section 320 .

As shown in FIG. 9, the third water guide path outlet 435 is provided to open on the back side of the water supply unit housing section 220. The third water conduction path outlet 435 is connected to the relay path inlet 272 of the relay path 271, and communicates the relay path 271 with the third water conduction path 430 inside the water supply unit housing section 220.

As shown in FIGS. 5, 9, and 14, the relay route 271 is a route provided between a relay route entrance 272, which is an upstream end, and a relay route outlet 273, which is a downstream end. be. The relay route entrance 272 is provided on the downstream side of the third water guide route 430 and allows the third water guide route 430 in the water supply unit housing section 220 and the relay route 271 to communicate with each other. The relay route exit 273 is connected to the automatic input device route entrance 511 of the automatic input device route 510, which will be described later, and communicates the relay route 271 with the automatic input device route 510. Thereby, the relay path 271 connects the third water introduction path 430 in the water supply unit housing section 220 and the automatic dosing device internal path 510.

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16, the automatic liquid injection device 500 is arranged on the back side of the tank accommodating section 222 of the water supply unit housing section 220. The liquid agent automatic dosing device 500 includes an automatic dosing device internal path 510, a three-way valve 520, and a pump unit 530.

The automatic dosing device path 510 has an automatic dosing device path inlet 511 at the upstream end and an automatic dosing device path outlet 512 at the downstream end. The automatic detergent inlet 505 and the automatic softener inlet 506 are provided to protrude forward from the automatic liquid agent dispenser 500 and communicate with the automatic dispenser internal path 510 . The automatic detergent inlet 505 and the automatic softener inlet 506 are connected to the detergent tank 650 and the softener tank 660, respectively, when the detergent tank 650 and the softener tank 660 are accommodated in the tank accommodating section 222, respectively. Connected.

The three-way valve 520 includes a three-way detergent valve 525 and a three-way softener valve 526, each of which is configured to be able to open and close independently. The detergent three-way valve 525 is arranged to communicate with the automatic dosing device internal path entrance 511, the detergent automatic dosing insertion port 505, and the softener three-way valve 526. The three-way softener valve 526 is arranged to communicate with the three-way detergent valve 525, the automatic softener insertion port 506, and the pump unit 530 (described later). In this way, the three-way valve 520 is connected to the automatic dosing device internal path 510, the automatic detergent inlet 505, the automatic softener inlet 506, and the pump unit 530, and the three-way detergent valve 525 and/or Alternatively, the flow of detergent, softener, and water is controlled by switching the opening and closing of the three-way softener valve 526.

The downstream side of the three-way valve 520 is connected to a pump unit 530 via an automatic dosing device internal path 510. The pump unit 530 includes an internal pump path 531 provided between a pump unit inlet 532 and a pump unit outlet 533, a cylinder 534 provided in the middle of the pump internal path 531, and a piston 535 that moves up and down within the cylinder 534. and a pump motor 536 that drives a piston 535.

An inlet side check valve 532a is provided at the pump unit inlet 532 and the pump unit outlet 533.
and an outlet side check valve 533a are provided, respectively.

The inlet check valve 532a is configured to open when the piston 535 operates under negative pressure, and the outlet check valve 533a is configured to open when the piston 535 operates under positive pressure.

The automatic dosing device internal path outlet 512 is provided downstream of the pump unit 530, and discharges the liquid flowing through the automatic dosing device internal path 510 to the lower flow path 300.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the pump internal path 531 is a part of the automatic dosing device internal path 510.

[1-1-6. Bottom of flow path]
The configuration of the lower flow path 300 will be explained using FIGS. 17 and 18.

As shown in FIG. 17, the lower flow path 300 includes a first lower flow path 301, a second lower flow path 302, a merging portion 340, and a discharge port 350.

The first flow path lower path 301 is a path through which the liquid discharged from the automatic dosing device internal path outlet 512 and the liquid overflowing from the rear ends of the powder detergent manual input section 610 and the liquid detergent manual input section 615 flow. . The first lower flow path 301 includes a foam generating section 320 provided downstream of the first lower flow path 301 .

As shown in FIG. 18, an upstream portion of the first flow path lower path 301 from the bubble generation section 320 is provided so as to be inclined downward from upstream to downstream. As a result, the detergent liquid flows down the first flow path lower path 301 under its own weight. Note that in this embodiment, the detergent liquid is defined as a liquid containing detergent and/or water.

The foam generating section 320 is provided so that the bottom surface is substantially horizontal in the left-right direction. The bubble generating section 320 is provided with a plurality of pins 321 formed to protrude vertically upward from the bottom surface. The foam generating section 320 is provided in a concave shape in the lower flow path 300, and a foam generating section peripheral wall 322 is formed at the right end of the foam generating section 320 when viewed from the front. The foam generating section peripheral wall 322 and a second wall section 312, which will be described later, define the direction in which the detergent liquid flows in the foam generating section 320.

Returning to FIG. 17, the second flow path lower path 302 is a path through which liquids discharged from the powder detergent manual input section 610, the liquid detergent manual input section 615, and the softener manual input section 620 flow.

The merging section 340 is provided downstream of the first lower flow path 301 and the second lower flow path 302. At the merging portion 340, the liquid flowing in the first lower flow path 301 and the liquid flowing in the second lower flow path 302 merge.

The discharge port 350 is provided above the washing tub 112 and is an opening that communicates between the upper and lower sides. The discharge port 350 discharges the liquid flowing through the confluence section 340 into the washing tub 112 . The outlet 350 includes a main outlet 351 and a sub outlet 352 . The main outlet 351 is located upstream of the outlet 350, and the sub outlet 352 is provided downstream of the main outlet 351.

The lower flow path 300 is provided with a first wall 311, a second wall 312, a third wall 313, and a fourth wall 314 that extend vertically upward from the bottom surface of the lower flow path 300. .

The first wall portion 311 is provided in front of the upstream portion of the first lower flow path 301 and defines the first lower flow path 301 .

The second wall portion 312 is provided extending upward from the bottom surface of the lower flow path 300 between the right end of the lower flow path 300 when viewed from the front and the foam generating section 320 . The second wall portion 312 partitions the foam generating portion 320 and the second flow path lower path 302. A second wall portion 312a is provided in the second wall portion 312 so as to be inclined forward from the upstream side to the downstream side of the first flow path lower path 301 in front of the foam generating portion 320. is provided.

The third wall portion 313 is provided in the foam generating portion 320. The third wall portion 313 defines the direction in which the liquid flows in the foam generating portion 320.

A gap 319 is provided between the first wall portion 311 and the third wall portion 313. The gap 319 allows a part of the liquid flowing through the first flow path lower path 301 to flow into the merging section 340 without passing through the foam generating section 320 . This suppresses residual water in the first flow path lower path 301, and when a large amount of liquid flows into the first flow path lower path 301, the water level of the first flow path lower path 301 rises, and the water level in the first flow path lower path 301 increases. This suppresses liquid from flowing back into the tank accommodating portion 222 and the like provided above the lower flow path 301.

The fourth wall portion 314 is provided in front of the second flow path lower path 302 and the main discharge port 351 . A portion of the fourth wall portion 314 is located between the main outlet 351 and the sub outlet 352. The fourth wall portion 314 is provided to discharge water out of the liquid flowing through the confluence section 340 into the washing tub 112 from the main discharge port 351 and to discharge detergent foam flowing through the confluence section 340 from the sub-discharge port 352. There is.

[1-2. motion]
The operation and effect of the washing machine 100 configured as above will be described below.

[1-2-1. Washing operation when using automatic loading function]
In FIGS. 9, 10, and 12, arrow represents the flow of water injected from the first channel lower path water injection part 413.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the operation in the washing process of the washing operation when the automatic liquid detergent injection function is used.

When the washing process starts, the control device controls the liquid agent automatic injection device 500 to automatically input the liquid detergent in the detergent tank 650. The control device opens the three-way detergent valve 525 and communicates the detergent tank 650 with the pump unit 530, rotates the pump motor 536 to move the piston 535 up and down, and pumps liquid detergent from the pump unit inlet 532. It is sucked in and discharged from the pump unit outlet 533. The liquid detergent discharged from the pump unit outlet 533 is discharged from the automatic dosing device internal path outlet 512 to the first lower flow path 301 of the lower flow path 300 . After operating the piston 535 for a predetermined period of time, the control device closes the detergent three-way valve 525 and blocks the path between the detergent tank 650 and the pump unit 530.

Next, the control device opens the third water supply valve 213 and introduces water into the third water introduction path 430. The water flowing through the third water introduction path 430 is divided into water flowing out from the third water introduction path outlet 435 and water injected into the foam generation section 320 from the foam generation nozzle 431 at the third water introduction path branching part 432. be done.

The water flowing out from the third water introduction route outlet 435 flows into the relay route 271 from the relay route inlet 272 and flows out from the relay route outlet 273. The water flowing out from the relay path outlet 273 flows into the automatic dosing device path 510 through the automatic dosing device path inlet 511, flows through the pump path 531, and flows from the automatic dosing device path outlet 512 to the first flow path. It is discharged to the lower path 301. The water discharged into the first flow path lower path 301 flows down the first flow path lower path 301 as indicated by the arrow X, and reaches the foam generating section 320 . The water that has reached the foam generating section 320 contains the detergent remaining in the automatic dosing device internal path 510 and the detergent discharged into the first flow path lower path 301. The bubble generating section 320 is formed as a depression in the lower part of the flow path 300, and is provided with a plurality of pins 321 that protrude from the bottom surface in the vertical direction. As a result, the detergent liquid that has flowed into the foam generating section 320 stays in the foam generating section 320.

The water that has flowed into the foam generation nozzle 431 from the third water introduction path branch 432 is injected into the foam generation section 320 with strong force. The water vigorously injected from the foam generating nozzle 431 collides with the detergent liquid stored in the foam generating section 320, and a large amount of detergent foam is generated. The detergent liquid containing the detergent foam generated by the foam generation section 320 flows down the confluence section 340 and falls into the washing tub 112 from the discharge port 350. When there is little detergent foam contained in the detergent liquid flowing down the confluence section 340 , water and detergent foam fall into the washing tub 112 from the main discharge port 351 . On the other hand, when there are many detergent foams contained in the detergent liquid flowing down the confluence section 340, some of the detergent foams are not discharged from the main discharge port 351 and are not discharged from the fourth outlet port 351 because the detergent foam has a lower density than water. It climbs over the wall 314 and falls into the washing tub 112 from the sub-discharge port 352.

When a predetermined period of time has elapsed after opening the third water supply valve 213, the control device closes the third water supply valve 213, opens the first water supply valve 211, and starts supplying water to the first water introduction path 410. Note that the control device may open the first water supply valve 211 and then close the third water supply valve 213.

The control device drives the liquid agent automatic injection device 500 to discharge liquid detergent from the detergent tank 650 in part or all while the first water supply valve 211 is open. Although the details will be described later, while the liquid agent automatic injection device 500 is being driven, water is injected from the first flow path lower path water injection unit 413 into the first flow path lower path 301. The detergent liquid that is about to flow down is retained at the upstream portion of the foam generating section 320.

After operating the piston 535 for a predetermined period of time, the control device stops driving the liquid agent automatic injection device 500 and closes the first water supply valve 211. After this, the control device stops the water supply from the water supply valve unit 210 for a predetermined period of time (time T). As a result, the detergent liquid that has been retained due to the water injection from the first flow path lower path water injection section 413 flows down the first flow path lower path 301 and moves to the foam generation section 320 . Note that the length of time T may be determined experimentally, but it is desirable that the length of time T is 5 seconds or more as the time for the detergent liquid to move to the foam generating section 320. More preferably, the time T is 10 seconds or more.

When time T has elapsed, the control device opens the third water supply valve 213 to flow the liquid detergent remaining in the automatic dosing device internal path 510 and the first flow path lower path 301 to the downstream side, and also flows through the foam generation nozzle 431. The detergent liquid is foamed in the foam generating section 320 by water injection.

After opening the third water supply valve 213 and after a certain period of time has elapsed, the control device closes the third water supply valve 213, opens the first water supply valve 211, and starts supplying water from the first water introduction path 410. When the water level in the outer tank reaches a predetermined water level, the control device closes the first water supply valve 211 and ends water supply in the washing process. Note that the water supply up to a predetermined water level in the outer tank may be supplied by the third water supply valve 213 or may be supplied from both the first water supply valve 211 and the third water supply valve 213.

[1-2-2. Water injection using foam generation nozzle]
The flow of water when water is injected from the foam generation nozzle 431 into the foam generation section 320 will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 12.

The foam generating nozzle 431 is provided so as to inject water forward in the vertical direction, as shown by arrow Y. In the vicinity of the water injection position from the foam generating nozzle 431, the detergent liquid flowing through the foam generating section 320 flows in a direction from the rear to the front, as shown by the arrow X. The foam generating nozzle 431 injects water, as shown by arrow Y, from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow of detergent liquid flowing through the foam generating section 320, shown by arrow X. In other words, the foam generating nozzle 431 injects water in a direction along the flow direction of the detergent liquid flowing through the foam generating section 320.

When the foam generation nozzle 431 is installed to inject water perpendicular to the flow of the detergent solution or in a direction opposite to the flow of the detergent solution, waves generated by the water injected from the foam generation nozzle 431 By pushing the detergent liquid back upstream, the detergent liquid is prevented from reaching the water injection position from the foam generating nozzle 431, and there is a possibility that a sufficient amount of detergent foam will not be generated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the foam generation nozzle 431 is provided so as to inject water in a direction along the flow direction of the detergent liquid, so that the water injection from the foam generation nozzle 431 causes the detergent liquid to flow upstream. It can prevent you from being pushed back to the side. Therefore, new detergent liquid can be fed to the water injection position from the foam generation nozzle 431, so that detergent foam can be efficiently generated in the foam generation section 320.

As shown in FIG. 9, in front of the water injection position from the foam generation nozzle 431, the second wall first portion 312a is provided so as to move toward the front from the right side to the left side when viewed from the front. . In other words, the second wall first portion 312a is provided to be inclined with respect to the direction of water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431. In the case where the foam generating section 320 has a narrow longitudinal width and the second wall first portion 312a is provided perpendicularly to the direction of the water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431, water from the foam generating nozzle 431 There is a possibility that the injected water may bounce off the second wall first portion 312a and obstruct the flow of the detergent liquid in the foam generating section 320. In the present embodiment, the second wall first portion 312a is provided to be inclined with respect to the direction of water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431, so that the detergent liquid can be efficiently flowed downstream. be able to.

In this embodiment, the foam generating nozzle 431 is provided in the third water guide path 430. By supplying water to the foam generation nozzle 431 and water for sending the liquid detergent discharged by the liquid agent automatic injection device 500 to the foam generation unit 320 from the third water supply valve 213, water is supplied from another water supply valve. A tap water pressure greater than that can be applied to the third water introduction path 430. Furthermore, while the first water introduction path 410 is provided with a large number of openings that communicate with the atmosphere, such as a powder detergent water injection section 411, a liquid detergent water injection section 412, and a first flow path lower path water injection section 413, The third water introduction path 430 communicates with the atmosphere at two openings, an automatic dosing device internal path outlet 512 and a foam generation nozzle 431, downstream of the third water supply valve 213.

Thereby, a larger tap water pressure can be applied in the third water guide path 430 than in the first water guide path 410. Therefore, by providing the foam generation nozzle 431 in the third water introduction path 430, water can be injected from the foam generation nozzle 431 with a stronger force than when providing it in the first water introduction path 410.

Further, by providing the foam generation nozzle 431 in the third water guide path 430, new detergent liquid that has not yet been foamed is continuously sent to the position where the water injected from the foam generation nozzle 431 falls. be able to.

Thereby, in the foam generation section 320, water can be injected with strong force from the foam generation nozzle 431 into the new detergent liquid that has not yet been foamed. Therefore, a large amount of detergent foam can be efficiently generated in the foam generating section 320.

[1-2-3. Water injection by the first flow path lower route water injection part]
The flow of water when water is injected from the first channel lower path water injecting part 413 to the foam generating part 320 will be explained using FIGS. 9 and 10.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first flow path lower path water injection section 413 is configured such that the water injection position from the first flow path lower path water injection section 413 is located upstream of the water injection position from the foam generation nozzle 431. It is set in.

The first flow path lower path water injection part 413 is provided so as to inject water toward the left with respect to the vertical direction, as shown by arrow Z. In the vicinity of the water injection position from the first flow path lower path water injection part 413, the detergent liquid flowing through the foam generation part 320 is flowing in a direction from the left to the right, as shown by the arrow X. The first flow path lower path water injection unit 413 injects water from the downstream side to the upstream side of the flow of the detergent liquid flowing through the foam generation unit 320 shown by the arrow X, as shown by the arrow Z. . In other words, the foam generating nozzle 431 injects water in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the detergent liquid flowing through the foam generating section 320.

As a result, the water injected from the first flow path lower path water injection section 413 pushes back the liquid detergent discharged from the liquid agent automatic injection device 500 to the upstream side, so that the water injected from the first flow path lower path water injection section 413 It can be made to stay on the upstream side of the position. This can prevent the detergent liquid from passing through the water injection position from the foam generation nozzle 431 and being discharged into the washing tub 112 before the detergent liquid is foamed by water injection from the foam generation nozzle 431.

[1-3. effect]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes an outer tub, a washing tub 112 rotatably provided in the outer tub, a third water supply valve 213 provided so as to be openable and closable, A third water guide path 430 that guides water introduced from the third water supply valve 213 to the outer tank and/or the washing tub 112; a detergent tank 650 that stores a liquid therein; The liquid agent automatic injection device 500 discharges liquid to the third water conduction path 430, and a flow path lower portion 300 provided downstream of the liquid agent automatic injection device 500 in communication with the third water conduction path 430. A foam generation nozzle 431 that is provided above the lower flow path 300 and injects water toward the foam generation section 320 of the lower flow path 300 is formed in the third water introduction path 430.
Thereby, a large amount of detergent foam can be generated by continuously feeding the detergent liquid into the foam generating section 320 and vigorously injecting water into the fed detergent liquid from the foam generating nozzle 431.

Therefore, the cleaning efficiency when using the liquid agent automatic injection device 500 can be improved.

As in this embodiment, the foam generating nozzle 431 may be formed to inject water from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow of detergent liquid in the foam generating section 320.

Thereby, the detergent liquid flowing through the foam generating section 320 can be suppressed from being pushed back to the upstream side of the foam generating section 320 by the water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431.

Therefore, the detergent liquid can be reliably sent to the position where the water injected from the foam generating nozzle 431 falls.

As in the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes a first water supply valve 211 that is provided to be openable and closable independently of the third water supply valve 213, and a third water supply path 430 that is provided independently of the first water supply valve 213. 211
A first water guide path 410 that guides water introduced from the outer tank and/or the washing tub 112, and the first water guide path 410 includes a first flow path that injects water toward the lower flow path 300. A lower channel water injection section 413 is provided, and in the lower channel 300, the falling position of the water injected from the first channel lower channel water injection section 413 is upstream of the falling position of the water injected from the foam generation nozzle 431. It may be located on the side.

As a result, even if a liquid agent is injected from the liquid agent automatic injection device 500 while water is being introduced from the first water supply valve 211, the detergent is placed on the upstream side of the drop position of the water injected from the foam generation nozzle 431. Liquid can be retained.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the detergent liquid from flowing into the outer tub or the washing tub 112 without being foamed.

As in the present embodiment, the washing machine 100 includes a control device (not shown) that controls the first water supply valve 211, the third water supply valve 213, and the automatic liquid dispenser 500. After opening the water supply valve 211 and supplying water to the first water conduction path 410, the automatic liquid injection device 500 is driven to inject the liquid, and after the first water supply valve 211 is closed and the water supply to the first water conduction path 410 is stopped. , the third water supply valve 213 may be opened to start supplying water to the third water introduction path 430.

This prevents the detergent liquid flowing through the lower flow path 300 from flowing into the outer tub or the washing tub 112 before water is injected from the foam generation nozzle 431, and thereafter prevents water from being supplied from the third water introduction path 430. By starting, the accumulated detergent liquid can be foamed and supplied to the outer tub or washing tub 112.

Therefore, the detergent liquid flowing through the lower flow path 300 can be foamed before being supplied to the outer tub or the washing tub 112.

As in the present embodiment, the control device closes the first water supply valve 211 to stop water supply to the first water supply path 410, waits for a time T4, and then opens the third water supply valve 213. Water supply to the third water introduction path 430 may be started.

As a result, after waiting until the detergent liquid accumulated due to water injection from the first flow path lower path water injection part 413 moves to the drop position of the water injected from the foam generation nozzle 431, the detergent liquid is discharged from the foam generation nozzle 431. Water can be injected vigorously.

Therefore, the detergent liquid can be efficiently foamed in the lower flow path 300.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, Embodiment 1 has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to create a new embodiment by combining the components described in the first embodiment.

Therefore, other embodiments will be illustrated below.

In the first embodiment, the lower flow path 300 including the first lower flow path 301 has been described as an example of the flow path section. The flow path portion is not limited to the lower flow path portion 300 as long as it is a path provided to foam the liquid detergent discharged from the automatic liquid dispenser. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which water is poured from above into the path through which the detergent liquid flows.

In Embodiment 1, as an example of a liquid agent dispensing device, the automatic liquid dispensing device 500 has been described in which the pump unit 530 is provided in the automatic dosing device internal path 510 through which water passes. The liquid agent injection device is not limited to the liquid agent automatic injection device 500 as long as it can discharge a predetermined amount of the liquid stored in the liquid agent tank. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a pump unit is provided downstream of the liquid agent tank, and the liquid agent discharged from the pump unit is discharged into a path through which water passes (a path within the automatic dosing device). A pump unit may be provided downstream of both the detergent tank and the softener tank, respectively. The liquid agent tank may include not only a detergent tank and a softener tank but also a neutral detergent tank in which a neutral detergent is stored.

In the first embodiment, the first flow path lower path water injection section 413 provided in the first water introduction path 410 has been described as an example of the second water injection section. The second water injection section is not limited to the first flow path lower path water injection section 413 as long as it injects water into the flow path section. The second water injection section may be provided in a path (second water introduction path 420) that supplies water to the manual softener input section, or may be provided in a dedicated path that supplies water only to the second water injection section.

The present disclosure is applicable to washing machines.

100 Washing machine 101 Housing 110 Lower housing 112 Washing tub 130 Upper housing 131 Inlet 150 Lid 160 Operation unit 170 Water supply port 171 Water supply hose 200 Water supply unit 210 Water supply valve unit 211 First water supply valve (second water supply means)
212 Second water supply valve 213 Third water supply valve (first water supply means)
220 Water supply unit housing section 221 Detergent case storage section 222 Tank storage section 230 Flow top section 260 Water supply unit lid section 270 Relay section 271 Relay route 272 Relay route inlet 273 Relay route outlet 274 Relay section main body 275 Relay section lid 290 Bath pump 291 Bath pump water inlet 300 Lower flow path (flow path section)
301 First flow path lower path (flow path section)
302 Second flow path lower path 311 First wall portion 312 Second wall portion 312a Second wall first portion 313 Third wall portion 314 Fourth wall portion 320 Foam generation portion (flow path portion)
321 Pin 322 Surrounding wall of bubble generation part 340 Merging part 350 Discharge port 351 Main discharge port 352 Sub-discharge port 410 First water introduction path (second path)
411 Water injection part for powder detergent 412 Water injection part for liquid detergent 413 First channel lower route water injection part (second water injection part)
420 Second water guide path 421 Water injection part for softener 430 Third water guide path (first path)
431 Foam generation nozzle (first water injection part)
432 Third water supply route branch 435 Third water supply route outlet 500 Automatic liquid dosing device (liquid dosing device)
505 Detergent automatic dosing socket 506 Softener automatic dosing socket 510 Automatic dosing device internal path 511 Automatic dosing device internal path inlet 512 Automatic dosing device internal path outlet 520 Three-way valve 525 Three-way valve for detergent 526 Three-way valve for softener 530 Pump unit 531 Pump internal path 532 Pump unit inlet 532a Inlet side check valve 533 Pump unit outlet 533a Outlet side check valve 534 Cylinder 535 Piston 600 Detergent case 610 Powder detergent manual inlet 615 Liquid detergent manual inlet 620 Softener manual inlet Section 650 Detergent tank (liquid agent tank)
660 Softener tank

Claims (5)

outer tank and
a washing tub rotatably provided in the outer tub;
a first water supply means provided so as to be openable and closable;
a first path for guiding water introduced from the first water supply means to the outer tub and/or the washing tub;
a liquid agent tank that stores a liquid agent inside;
a liquid agent injection device that discharges the liquid stored in the liquid agent tank to the first path;
a flow path section provided in communication with the first path downstream of the liquid agent injection device;
Equipped with
A first water injection section is formed in the first path, and is provided above the flow path section and injects water toward the flow path section.
washing machine. The first water injection part is formed to inject water from the upstream side to the downstream side of the flow of the detergent liquid in the flow path part.
A washing machine according to claim 1. a second water supply means that is provided so as to be openable and closable independently of the first water supply means;
a second route that is provided independently of the first route and that guides water introduced from the second water supply means to the outer tub and/or the washing tub;
Equipped with
The second path is provided with a second water injection part that injects water toward the flow path part,
In the flow path section, a falling position of water injected from the second water injection part is located upstream from a falling position of water injected from the first water injection part,
The second water injection section injects water from the downstream side to the upstream side of the flow of the detergent liquid in the flow path section.
A washing machine according to claim 1 or 2. comprising a control section that controls the first water supply means, the second water supply means, and the liquid agent injection device, the control section comprising:
opening the second water supply means and supplying water to the second path while driving the liquid injection device to inject the liquid;
After closing the second water supply means to stop supplying water to the second route, opening the first water supply means to start supplying water to the first route;
A washing machine according to claim 3. The control unit closes the second water supply means to stop water supply to the second route, waits for a predetermined time, and then opens the first water supply means to start supplying water to the first route. ,
The washing machine according to claim 4.